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Default Sailing from Kos to Athens


"Pierre Aubineau" wrote in
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I'd rather do the contrary : Athens to Kos.
From Kos to Athens in June, you should mostly experience N-W
winds, i.e.
right-in-the-nose winds all along the journey. Be aware that
these winds
can be very strong around certain islands and that the
Mediterranean is
not the Atlantic ocean (waves are shorter and more difficult to
manage
for a similar wind force).


Pierre is correct, the wind is more favourable going W to E. But
there are strategies for coping with the other direction if you
prefer, especially when you have four weeks to play with.

From Kos, initially work north through the Dodecanese up to
Patmos. The winds are lighter here, the sea well sheltered, and
the legs are shorter. Also, Patmos is well worth the visit (as are
Pandeli harbour, on Leros, and Lipsi).

If you set your heart on Thyra (Santorini) though, you'll have
some beating to windward to get north again (first to Ios, only 25
miles away). At that stage if the wind's not too uncomfortable you
can keep on working NW to Paros, Syros and Kithnos. If the wind's
a bit heavy, go Folegandros, Milos, then take a long trip (65nm)
to Monemvassia, on the SE corner of the Peloponese (a wonderful
mediaeval village, and visit the ruins on the top of the peninsula
if your lungs and heart can stand it). Working north from here is
with the (locally) prevailing winds, so fairly straightforward.

Your best pilot book for the area is 'Greek Water's Pilot' by Rod
Heikell, published by Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd in UK. I
believe the ninth edition is the currect one, but try
www.imray.com/

It's going to be worth your while doing the reseach for the trip
before hand!

JimB